Headline: Russia–Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,042 – Al Jazeera”>Ukraine‘s Protracted War: Can the Nation持续 Another Year of Conflict?
Subheadline: Exhausted Ukrainian forces brace for a fourth year of fighting against Russia.
Article:
Ucraine está en una situación difícil. Sus soldados están cansados después de casi tres años de lucha contra la invasión rusa que comenzó en febrero de 2022. Ahora, se pregunta si Ucrania puede aguantar otro año de guerra.
Las fuerzas ucranianas aún resisten los avances rusos en el este, pero están casi rodeadas cerca de la ciudad de Kurajovo, donde se han producido los combates más intensos en las últimas semanas. El Black Pack, una unidad de artillería, lucha por evitar el cerco a la ciudad, mientras los rusos se acercan por tres lados.
No son soldados regulares. Es un grupo de amigos con visiones no conformistas del mundo. Algunos de ellos se llaman a sí mismos anarquistas. Todos fueron a combatir de forma voluntaria.
Surt, su comandante de 31 años, se unió al ejército apenas comenzó la invasión rusa a Ucrania. Inicialmente, thought the war would last three years, but now he’s preparing mentally for another decade of combat.
El recién electo presidente de EE.UU., Donald Trump, wants to end the conflict, but Surt fears the outcome of any future negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. "Somos realistas, entendemos que no habrá justicia para Ucrania", dice. "Muchos tendrán que tragarse el hecho de que sus casas fueron destruidas por misiles, que sus seres queridos fueron asesinados, eso será duro".
When asked if he prefers negotiating or continuing to fight, Surt responds emphatically: "Continue fighting".
This sentiment is shared by most of this unit. Serhiy, the vegan chef, believes that negotiations would only temporarily cool the conflict, with the war resuming in a couple of years. He is ready to continue fighting, describing injuries or death as "a occupational hazard".
Davyd, the artist, thinks Trump is "disturbingly unstable", adding that he could either be very good or very bad for Ukraine.
The unit spends a week at the front and then another week resting. Even when resting, they continue training, as it keeps them motivated.
Denys, a new member who lived in Germany and came to Ukraine voluntarily to fight for his country, believes that Ukraine should at least consider a ceasefire. He thinks the casualties on the Ukrainian side are much higher than the official figures, which are already over 400,000 dead and injured. Mobilizing more population for the war, he believes, will not solve the problem.
In other cities like Dnipró, the third-largest city in Ukraine, fatigue from the war is also evident. Regularly targeted by Russian missiles and drones, the city’s residents long for a permanent ceasefire. Some even support negotiations, hoping to end the conflict.
BBC surveys also suggest a growing support for negotiations among Ukrainians. Some of the most vocal calls for a ceasefire come from those who have been forced to flee their homes due to the fighting.
In a shelter near the theater, a group of four elderly women recall the homes they left behind. Valentyna, 87, says they arrived without anything but were provided with shoes, clothing, and food. She notes that they’ve been treated well, but adds, "It’s good to be a guest, but it’s better to be at home".
Mariia, 89, wonders how both sides can look each other in the eye after the hell they’ve created. She believes that neither side will win militarily, so negotiations are necessary.
If negotiations take place, these women might be the ones who will have to make the greatest sacrifices, as Ukraine might have to sacrifice territory for peace.
To receive more of our best content, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here. And don’t forget to download our app and turn on notifications for the latest updates.
